If you’ve been on the hunt for a delightful treat that perfectly balances nutty richness with a burst of fruity charm, the Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies Recipe is the answer. These little snowballs are soft, buttery, and studded with vibrant maraschino cherries and crunchy pistachios, all dusted generously with powdered sugar for that magical snowy finish. Every bite feels like a cozy celebration, making these cookies an irresistible addition to your baking repertoire and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser during any festive gathering or quiet afternoon tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture—from the rich butter that keeps each cookie tender to the colorful cherries and nuts that bring that signature pop. Here’s what you’ll gather before the magic begins:
- 2 cups flour: The base that gives these cookies their delicate structure and soft crumb.
- 3/4 cup chopped pistachios: Adds a lovely crunch and subtle earthiness that contrasts beautifully with the cherries.
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries: For bursts of sweet, juicy flavor and a festive splash of color.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the richness without overpowering.
- 1 cup butter, softened: The key to a melt-in-your-mouth texture and richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: A warm, fragrant note that ties all the flavors together.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: For coating the cookies in a soft, snowy blanket that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
How to Make Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Start by heating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s nice and ready when your dough is shaped. In a bowl, combine all your ingredients except for the powdered sugar. Beat everything together on a slow speed, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed, until the mixture is just combined. This gentle mixing keeps the cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 2: Shape Your Snowballs
Now, grab a spoonful of dough and gently roll it into 1-inch balls with your hands. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly round — these snowballs have a homemade charm! Spread them out evenly on an ungreased baking sheet, giving each enough room to bake without sticking.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the edges turn a light golden color. These cookies shouldn’t brown deeply; you want to maintain their soft, delicate texture. Once baked, remove them and let cool for about 5 minutes before the final step.
Step 4: Dust With Powdered Sugar
While they’re still a little warm, roll each cookie gently in powdered sugar to coat every side. This snowy finish is what gives these cookies their name and irresistible look. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack so the sugar sets nicely.
How to Serve Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To make these cookies extra festive, sprinkle a few finely chopped pistachios on top after the powdered sugar coating sets. This adds a fresh green pop and enhances the nutty aroma. You can also drizzle a little melted white chocolate for a sweet, elegant touch that’s perfect for holiday occasions.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with warm drinks. Think creamy hot chocolate, a robust cup of coffee, or a comforting chamomile tea. Their subtle sweetness and crunch perfectly complement the warmth and bitterness in your cup, creating a combination that’s both cozy and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your cookie platter playful by arranging these Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies with fresh cherries and whole pistachios scattered around. Present them on a rustic wooden board or a vintage plate for charm. If you’re gifting, wrap these snowballs in parchment paper tied with twine for an adorable homemade treat your friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your cookies have fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and tender for up to a week, making them a perfect option for prepping ahead when you need a last-minute sweet fix.
Freezing
If you want to preserve these beauties longer, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, just bake for a couple of minutes longer than usual straight from the freezer. Alternatively, you can freeze fully baked cookies, wrapped well, for up to three months.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked warmth, simply pop the cookies in a 300-degree oven for about 5 minutes. This will lightly crisp the edges while keeping the center soft, almost like they’ve just come out of the oven. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookies chewy or overly soft.
FAQs
Can I substitute other nuts for pistachios?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work well too, though pistachios bring a unique flavor and color that really makes this recipe stand out. Just make sure to chop them roughly the same size for even texture.
What type of cherries should I use?
Maraschino cherries are preferred because they’re sweet and soft, which complements the cookie perfectly. If you want a natural option, try chopped dried cherries, but the flavor and color will differ slightly.
Do I have to use softened butter?
Yes, softened butter helps blend the ingredients smoothly without overworking the dough. Cold butter won’t mix as well and hot butter can change the cookie texture, so aim for room temperature.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This actually enhances the flavor and makes the dough easier to handle when rolling the snowballs.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Not as written, since the recipe includes all-purpose flour. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend that measures like regular flour, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies Recipe that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting friends, or treating yourself to a cozy afternoon, these cookies deliver on taste and charm every single time. I can’t wait for you to try them and discover just how easy and addictive this little snowball addiction can be!
Print
Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings (approximately 24 cookies) 1x
Description
Delight in these Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies, a festive and buttery treat packed with nutty pistachios and sweet maraschino cherries. Perfectly baked to a slight golden hue and dusted with powdered sugar, they offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a burst of contrasting flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Nuts & Fruit
- 3/4 cup chopped pistachios
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius) ensuring it reaches the right temperature before baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, chopped pistachios, chopped maraschino cherries, granulated sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed while scraping the sides as needed until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed but not overworked to keep the texture tender.
- Shape Cookies: Form the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scoop for uniform size. Place the balls on an ungreased baking sheet spaced evenly to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges turn just slightly golden but the center remains tender.
- Cool and Dust: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat thoroughly, creating the signature snowball appearance.
Notes
- Do not grease the baking sheet, as this helps cookies hold their classic shape without spreading too much.
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and a smoother dough texture.
- Chop the maraschino cherries finely so they distribute evenly throughout the cookie dough.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly before rolling in powdered sugar to ensure the sugar adheres properly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
